A mildly disturbing story that makes me wish sometimes we could keep the world of sports / entertainment separate from the larger political world. From an ESPN article about my favorite baseball team's All-Star right fielder and a loathsome, repressive dictator:President Hugo Chavez came to the defense of Magglio Ordonez on Sunday, slamming Venezuelan baseball fans who booed the major leaguer at the World Baseball Classic. Chavez lamented that his friendship with Ordonez prompted catcalls from the mostly Venezuelan crowd during the team's 3-1 victory over the Netherlands in Miami on Saturday, saying the fans who booed the Detroit Tigers slugger "have no shame."... Ordonez, one of Venezuela's biggest baseball stars, appeared in a … [Read more...]
Gazette Columnist: Democrat Senators Bowing to Plumbers Union Lobby
Last week I brought to your attention an organized labor power play at the State Capitol that shot down a simple effort to make school plumbing inspections more efficient. Today in the Colorado Springs Gazette, guest columnist Daniel Cole tells the story at greater length and offers a forceful conclusion:The unpleasant reality is that Democratic campaigns in Colorado are often financed by unions, so only the strongest Democrats dare defy a union's wishes. Union camaraderie means that a Democrat who votes against a single union can earn a reputation for disloyalty and untrustworthiness. Considering that unions gave [state senators Bob] Bacon and [Evie] Hudak $90,000 for their most recent campaign - [Senator Keith] King's entire war chest … [Read more...]
Huzzah: The Oklahoma 3 Are Free!
Months ago I introduced readers to the story of outrageous injustice against Paul Jacob and the Oklahoma Three. For a little closure, yesterday brought some great news:Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson has dropped criminal charges against The Oklahoma Three–Paul Jacob, Susan Johnson and Rick Carpenter–who had been accused of conspiring to violate the state's now unconstitutional law against out of state petition circulators. Kudos to these three for their courage and conviction. In this age, we all should be proud to have citizen watchdogs like them on our side. … [Read more...]
How Much Does It Cost to Pay the IRS a Nickel Owed for Federal Taxes?
Did you hear the one about the Internal Revenue Service, a trial lawyer, and loose pocket change? A true - and telling - story in today's Detroit Free Press:In mid-November, [Detroit criminal defense attorney James] Howarth received notice that his FICA account, even after an adjustment, was out of whack. He owed the IRS a nickel. And the IRS was serious. It advised him to act promptly "to avoid additional penalty and/or interest." Howarth started calculating how much that nickel was going to cost him. As he figures it, there is the 5 cents plus the cost of a check -- payment must be made by check or money order. Then there is his CPA's fee, an envelope, his secretary's time, his own time and a 42-cent stamp. "The costs are … [Read more...]
Sarah Palin Really Captures the Attention of the Colorado Blogosphere
I must say I'm glad I initially had the wrong information about who John McCain's running mate would be. Sarah Palin was the best pick. What's everyone else saying? Well, it's rare to see such unanimous sentiment asserted. Here goes: Steven, the New Conservative, who long has been championing Palin to be McCain's running mate, now says her selection was a "bad idea" ... for the Left Michael at Best Destiny says it's brilliant political Jiu-Jitsu Bob Agard calls the selection of the Alaska Governor "sheer brilliance" Jim at Thinking Right says "Outstanding!" Kenneth Davenport, writing at Backbone America, asserts that the choice is "a political masterstroke" Rocky Mountain Right calls Sarah Palin "an excellent choice" The Denver … [Read more...]